New Auckland by-law to encourage household recycling

New rules for household waste came into effect in Auckland today, bringing the area a step closer to achieving its 2040 zero waste target.

Changes to the Auckland Council Solid Waste Bylaw are designed to encourage Auckland householders to recycle and compost more by providing region-wide restrictions around the disposal of garden waste and recyclable materials. It also lays the groundwork and guidelines for the planned organic collection service due to commence in 2015.

The by-law sets a consistent and region-wide approach to rubbish, recycling and the yet-to-be introduced urban organic service, encouraging re-use and diversion from landfill. As well as establishing requirements around garden and recyclable waste, it introduces a limit of no more than 5% recyclables in householders’ bags and bins for non-recyclables - an amount which currently averages around 15%, according to solid waste manager Ian Stupple.

Green waste accounts for another 10% of what is in bins, while organic waste accounts for 40%. As an alternative, organic and garden waste could be composted or residents can pay for a private garden bin collection service, as many people already do.

Stupple said the council will soon be focusing on community education to raise awareness and encourage people to change their behaviour. It will adopt a common-sense approach to enforcing the new rules, similar to that already in place when incorrect items are found in recycling. The council currently uses tags or stickers to advise householders and businesses of incorrect items found, so they can get it right next time or call the council for advice.

Tips on how to recycle correctly can be found in ‘Get your rubbish sorted’ - a guide to rubbish and recycling in Auckland.